A clip circulating on social media was described as showing Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen’s portrait used as a target at a shooting stall in Thailand. It attracted attention in both countries, but its authenticity is not independently verified in this report.
On the morning of 6 October, Hun Sen publicly condemned the conduct as inhumane and even beneath animals, and urged Cambodians to remain restrained rather than retaliate in the same way.
He said that if people considered the conduct wrong, they should not answer wrongdoing with wrongdoing.
He said that whether the clip was filmed with real people or generated by AI, it reflected an extremely uncivilised attitude, and Cambodians should not sink to the same moral level.
He said some Cambodians had suggested responding by shooting at portraits of the Thai king or leaders. He explicitly rejected that proposal,calling such conduct inhumane and beneath animals.
He argued that the provocation aimed to inflame Cambodian society and undermine border peace and national unity. He warned against losing patience and allowing hatred to grow, urging dignity and calm.
He also urged people to express their views rationally,
saying those who disliked Thailand should avoid Thai products and stop using baht in Cambodia, which he presented as a way to protect economic independence.
He reiterated that Cambodians should not harm Thai people living and doing business in Cambodia. He said he believed most Thais did not want to be enemies, and that at least US$5 billion previously spent annually on Thai goods should instead support Cambodian products and economic self-reliance.
He advised border residents to exchange baht for riel or US dollars to avoid possible exchange-rate or political losses, presenting reduced baht use as support for monetary sovereignty.
He attached the clip to his statement and urged a civil response to provocation. Attaching a clip does not independently establish the authenticity of its depicted scene.
Compiled by this station
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